In the last three months, the I Had Cancer team has observed something amazing, something that has truly moved us. We have observed you. From our first users and earnest individuals who’s testimonies you’ve seen on our YouTube page - yes we have one, check it out at http://www.youtube.com/user/ihadcancer - to the people joining us now, the power of your honest and real communication is incredible.

Since we are dealing with cancer here, we understand that talking about this disease and it’s effect on your life is difficult regardless of what type of user you are. Still, many of you have put yourselves out there and revealed something personal about your experiences with cancer. Communication is defined as an “activity by one organism that changes or has the potential to change the behaviors of other organisms”. You let others into your hearts and by doing just that you have impacted and/or warmed theirs. Indeed, you have the power to positively influence and change other people.

One of the more interesting things that we have seen since I Had Cancer launched is that people’s reactions to making connections have been remarkably emotional and rewarding. The blurbs and Journals that you create here are gateways to long lasting and impactfull friendships that immeasurably help those involved. We have seen the comments of users who made connections, they show so much gratitude and appreciation that we are simply blown away.

The stronger your support network is, the less isolation you’ll ultimately experience. The more experienced your support network is with this disease, the more informed and prepared you’ll be  to deal with cancer. Needless to say, the more prepared you are the better the odds of beating cancer become. Altruism is defined as “the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others (opposed to egoism). These connections are a product of your altruism.

We have been awed and inspired by the connections that so many of you have made over such a short period of time. We have read letters, posts, emails and messages from across all of our social media platforms and we have only one thing to say. Thank You.